Fire victims group to meet 1.06.2010

Who knows better the complications faced after a house fire than those who have already experienced the tragedy themselves?
That’s the philosophy behind the Fire Victim Advocates of Lenawee County.
The non-profit group has scheduled a meeting in Morenci to provide information and generate interest in joining the organization. The meeting is set for 7 p.m. Jan. 11 at the Pizza Box.
The group organized in 2008, said Dennis Fox of Adrian, and now has more than 20 members. The group has the goal of helping fire victims rebound from the ordeal of a house fire by providing assistance and guidance in the months following the fire, beginning with immediate help at the time of the event.
Nearly everyone in the group is a victim of a fire, Fox said. Their experience can help others avoid some pitfalls that are easy to fall into.
Victims are often pressured to make major decisions in a short amount of time, Fox said, and they can become “re-victimized” and taken advantage of. The advocates group offers a checklist of what to do in the first 24 hours after a fire and follows that up with additional support.
Fire Victim Advocates works alongside law enforcement, fire departments, the Red Cross and other aid organizations to provide as much support as possible.
Fox invites anyone in the area to attend the meeting to learn more about the group or to share personal experiences.
For more information, call Fox at 517/673-2263 or write to [email protected]